All the guides say that the best way to arrive in Greenwich is via water taxi. Why not depart Greenwich via water taxi instead? And you’ve got to go to Greenwich. Before the London Eye was built, one of the best views of London was probably from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Plus, you can stand on the Prime Meridian, the point where East goes one way and West goes the other. You can stand at point 0, at the “centre of world time,” whatever that means. For one moment, you’ll know exactly where and when you are.

Then you can get on a water taxi and cruise down the River Thames to the London Eye for an even better view of the city. I hadn’t wanted to go on the Eye, figuring it was just a rip-off tourist trap, but our pals bribed us into going by buying us tickets. It was late in the day and there was no line — I mean, there was no queue. We hopped into a moving, uncrowded car (bubble?) and quickly realized that the Eye is a must-do. There’s just no other way to see the city like this.

Canary Wharf from the Royal Observatory.

I’m right on point 0. Paul’s to the West.

Us taking a break for a pint and some chips.

Canary Wharf reflection.

The Thames Clipper.

Views from the river.

A battleship with Tower Bridge in the background.

London Bridge is disappointingly modern.

Big Ben and Parliament from the Eye.

Other passengers.

Looking north from the top of the Eye.

At the very top.

Looking south from the top of the Eye.

Big Ben and Parliament from much higher.

Back on solid ground.

Read Our Book:

Read about Paul fighting off a charging bear with a Fat Tire beer can (kinda made up). And this: Lisa meeting a talking piece of poo in the middle of the desert (maybe that was dehydration). And we realize that the meaning of life is wrapped up in a motel waffle (this is probably true).